Month: October 2016

Pool design is really an art. There are so many different directions that you can take your pool design, and a lot of options to look at. One of these options is a scupper. What is it? How can you use it in your pool design? Let’s take a look. (more…)

When entertaining you guests outside, you want to have a space that offers them all the comforts of the inside of your house but outside in your entertaining area. There are a few ways that you can make sure that everyone is comfortable without breaking the budget. If you have a hard time entertaining guests, you may want to think about a backyard makeover.(more…)

During the fall, we spend a lot of time sharing how pool owners can clean up their pools and spas.

It makes sense. With summer over, you’ll want to scrub away three months of solid use. And with winter coming, it makes sense to spruce up the backyard spa.

But aren’t we forgetting a few things? Add these to your pool maintenance checklist:

Start with a quality pool towel, hopefully 100 percent cotton. It feels the best when you step out of the swimming pool and it withstands the laundering you need to do to keep it fluffy after every single use. Shake it out–and even vacuum it, if you’ve been to the beach–before washing it in hot water and air-drying it in the dryer. And though you might be tempted to throw in some fabric softener, don’t do it! It diminishes the towel’s absorbency.

Now, about those bathing suits. Don’t wait for the laundry. Rinse your suit in cool water as soon as you leave a chlorinated or salt-water pool. It’s not just a matter of cleanliness: Chlorine and salt take the elasticity out of a stretchy suit. Don’t throw it in a heap afterward. You can hang it to dry or launder it according to directions.

Finally, think about what all that chlorine is doing to you. Begin by taking a quick shower before swimming. By getting your hair wet, you’ll lessen the amount of chlorine that is sucked into your strands. Afterward, shower again, this time with a loofah glove to exfoliate dead skin cells.

When you think of fire pits, you probably think of smoke. Fire and smoke usually go hand in hand, especially when you are burning wood. Smoke can get in the way of a social gathering, engulfing your party in a cloud. Luckily, there are better options available on the market today that can help you out. (more…)

With autumn already here and winter on its way, there are a lot of things to look forward to with the seasons changing. From the leaves changing color to a nice hot cup of cocoa, fall certainly has its perks. Unfortunately, it also means it is time to say goodbye to relaxing dips in the pool too. Or does it?

Never say goodbye to daily swimming with the help of a heated pool. No matter what season it may be, a heated pool ensures you never have to miss out on regular aqua fitness or a great game of ‘Marco Polo’ with the kids. (more…)

Creative Pool Designs by Express has been making our clients’ dreams come true in the Houston, TX area for more than 20 years. We built our business remodeling pools and spas as Express Pool Plastering, expanding to full custom swimming pool and spa design and construction. We also build custom outdoor kitchens, water features, and waterfalls.